NP grad Wright continues hoops career in Hungary
North Point graduate signs first pro contract overseas
Marquis Wright has made a mark at ever y level of his basketball career.
The 2013 North Point High School and recent Siena College graduate will now get the opportunity to make more marks as he moves on to the professional level, recently signing with Egis Kormend which competes in Hungary’s top division, the Nemetzi, Bajnoksag I/A.
“I’m very excited,” said Wright, who signed his pro deal on July 17. “All the hard work I’ve put in has definitely paid off. I’m still trying to rise to the top, and hopefully this opportunity is the start of something special. Right now, I’m just trying to stay humble and be hungry. It feels good to know that I’m a pro now.”
The former North Point point guard, who helped lead the boys basketball program to its first-ever Class 4A state championship in 2011, will be leaving the states to start his pro journey on Aug. 7.
The team’s season runs from October through April as part of the NB I/A, which is aligned with FIBA Europe.
“I had about four choices that my agent told me about and Hungary was the best deal and I did my research,” Wright said. “I spoke with my parents, and everything sounded good.”
Earlier this summer, Wright was invited to and participated in an NBA Draft pre-draft workout with the Washington Wizards. Two weeks ago, he competed in the Worldwide Invitational and Scorers 1st Showcase in Las Vegas.
“The Wizards gave me all good feedback after the workout, but the last thing they said was that I was undersized, so I knew I wouldn’t make their summer league team,” he said. “So I went to Vegas for two showcases that overseas coaches were at and did well. While playing overseas it is still possible for me to possibly get to the NBA one day.”
In his final season as a senior
with NCAA Division I’s Siena, Wright guided the Saints to a .500 record (17-17) and program’s first Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference championship appearance in seven years.
The Saints floor general was named to the NABC District I second team to the All-MAAC second team as well as selected to the MAAC all-tournament team.
Wright graduated ranked third all-time in Siena basketball history in assists (614), fifth in steals (199) and 10th in scoring (1,546).
He was named Siena’s Doc Marcelle Team Most Valuable Player for the 2014-15 season and received honors as the school’s male rookie of the year in 2013-14 along with being named as a Kyle
Macy Freshman All-American and selected to the MAAC All-Rookie team.
“Having a successful career in college helped me because one of my assistant coaches sent out film and stats to different agents and they all sent out my highlights to the
pro scouts and it helped a lot,” Wright said.
Before he heads to Hungary, Wright has been working out with his trainer James Millings and former North Point teammates
in the gym to keep his overall skills up, while also staying strong and conditioned.
“It is great to see Marquis further his career at the pro level,” North
Point head boys basketball coach Jimmy Ball said. “He has an old man soul in a young body and is a passfirst point guard that is always two or three plays ahead. From watching him in college he became a much better outside shooter. He never stopped working on his game and never lost his desire to play defense.”